Ethan Belchetz, a forward with the Windsor Spitfires, recently completed his first season in the Ontario Hockey League. The 2024 first overall pick in the OHL Draft led all rookies on his team in scoring and was also a member of Team Canada at the World Under-17 Hockey Challenge.
We spoke with Belchetz to reflect on his time in the Ontario Minor Hockey Association with the Oakville Rangers on what he learned playing minor hockey, what he misses the most about it and advice he has for current minor hockey players.
Note: This interview has been edited for clarity.
What do you miss the most about minor hockey?
The thing I miss the most about minor hockey is playing in my hometown. Playing with all the guys I grew up with. Some of the guys I played with, I’ve been playing hockey with since 10 years old. Just growing a serious bond between these guys, it’s something you miss. Going to school everyday with them and growing up in the same hometown, it’s something I miss a lot. I’ve transitioned now to the OHL and I’m creating new bonds with these guys.
On the flip side, you’re now playing against former teammates like Ryder Carey and Evan Headrick. Are you able to follow each other’s journeys and do you still stay connected?
It’s kind of crazy playing against your best friends. Playing against Ryder in North Bay, I was lining up against the draw with him. It was kind of nuts to think about that. Just staying in touch with these guys, I have both their numbers and I call them every chance I get and keep up with them. Even the guys who aren’t in the OHL, all the buddies, no matter where they are playing, I keep in touch with them. Just doing my best to keep in touch with all my good friends and seeing how they’re doing.
What did you learn in minor hockey that has helped you in the OHL?
Just how I carry myself in the arena. Our head coach, Mike DeRenzis, he made sure we all looked the part, always wearing a suit and tie. You never know who is there and who is watching. With the younger generations, it really affects them how you carry yourself and how you look. They look up to us, so you have to set a really good example.
What was the biggest difference you experienced between your U16 year and your rookie year?
The super jam-packed schedule. In the OHL, you’re playing two to three games a week, you’re practicing and working out every day. You still have to keep up with your schooling. It’s super busy. When you’re at home, you’re practicing maybe three times a week, working out twice, maybe one or two games a week. You have a little more time to chill, look over the season and take it in.
You're now teammates with guys like JC Lemieux, who you would’ve played against in the OMHA last year. What’s that like for you to now be teammates?
Me and JC talk about it all the time. We didn’t play against each other too much because of the OMHA East and West but we played against each other in tournaments. The only time I remember is the Oakville Rangers taking the win. It is fun to talk about it. We are in the same age group, we played a lot of the same guys. We do chat about it, we talk about the age group and see how everyone else is doing and we like to keep in touch.
What is your advice for OMHA players now?
No matter what you’re starting at, you could be U9 or U16, just take in what all your coaches are saying. Every single one of your coaches has something super valuable to say. All these guys are here for a reason. They’re super smart and super helpful. If you take a little bit from everyone who’s helped you, that’s going to create a lot over time. Throughout your minor hockey experience, you’re going to learn so much and gain so many new experiences and values that you didn’t know before. Just be a sponge, soak everything in and it’s going to help you in the long run.